Divorce Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the divorce process. Whether you're navigating contested custody, dividing substantial marital assets, or completing a simple uncontested divorce, this guide covers everything you need to know about divorcing in Pittsburgh — including court procedures, residency requirements, attorney costs, and affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Pittsburgh?

You may need a Pittsburgh divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, visitation, or major decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or substantial investments

• Business ownership or complex financial structures

• Disputes over spousal support (alimony)

• Domestic violence or a need for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order

• Concerns about hidden income or assets

• A case expected to require mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Custody & parenting schedules

• Child support & alimony

• Distribution of assets & debts

• Retirement & pension division

• Who keeps the marital home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Pittsburgh divorce documents for far less than attorney-led representation.

Where to File for Divorce in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh divorces are filed in Allegheny County and handled by the Court of Common Pleas — Family Division.

Primary Filing Location

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas — Family Division
440 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 350-5600

This court oversees:

• Divorce & separation

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support & spousal support

• PFAs (Protection From Abuse orders)

• Discovery & conciliation conferences

• Hearings & trials

Pennsylvania supports e-filing for most family law documents through the county’s electronic filing system.

Pennsylvania Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Pittsburgh:

• One spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 6 months before filing.

Pennsylvania allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces.

How Divorce Works in Pittsburgh, PA

Here’s the typical process for a Pittsburgh divorce:

1. File the Divorce Complaint

The process begins with filing the Complaint, which outlines the grounds for divorce.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be performed by:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Acceptance of service

• Certified mail (in certain situations)

3. Mandatory Waiting Period

For no-fault, mutual consent divorces, PA requires a 90-day waiting period between service and signing final consent forms.

4. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Tax returns & pay stubs

• Bank statements

• Real estate valuations

• Retirement & investment account information

• Debt disclosures

Pennsylvania divides marital property through equitable distribution, not 50/50 — meaning the court attempts to divide assets fairly, not necessarily equally.

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Allegheny County may require:

• Parenting classes

• Mediation for custody disputes

• A detailed parenting plan

• GAL (guardian ad litem) in contested cases

6. Negotiation, Conciliation, or Trial

Uncontested cases settle quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Conciliation conferences (unique to PA)

• Interim custody hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement negotiations

• Trial

7. Final Divorce Decree

Once all issues are resolved, a judge signs the decree.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Pittsburgh, PA?

Attorney fees in Pittsburgh vary based on complexity.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $250–$400

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,000–$5,500

• Contested divorce: $8,000–$25,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $30,000–$75,000+

Custody battles and financial discovery increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA

Here are respected Pittsburgh divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C.

https://www.notarolaw.com

2. Bunde & Roberts, P.C.

https://www.bunderoberts.com

3. Wilder Mahood McKinley & Oglesby

https://www.wildermahood.com

These firms specialize in contested custody, mediation, property division, and high-net-worth cases.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Pittsburgh divorce is uncontested, you may not need an attorney.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Pennsylvania divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all documents with the Allegheny County Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist supports your entire case from start to finish.

These solutions are ideal for couples seeking clarity, speed, and affordability.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Pittsburgh divorce lawyer if:

• Parenting time or custody is contested

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse will not cooperate

• You own a business or substantial assets

• You suspect hidden income or assets

• Litigation is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Pittsburgh Couples

• Pennsylvania-specific divorce forms

• Affordable flat-fee pricing

• Filing support services

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & cheaper than attorney-led representation

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Pittsburgh families complete their divorce with confidence.

Start Your Pittsburgh Divorce Today

Whether you hire an attorney or choose an online divorce platform, the most important step is beginning the process. Divorce.com offers a streamlined, affordable, and stress-free approach for Pittsburgh couples.